COUNCIL officers in Darlington are asking residents what they would do to meet the housing needs of the town.

Those leading the authority’s ambitious Local Plan say it is time to move on from negativity and look to practical solutions around contentious planning targets.

To meet national targets, Darlington Borough Council must plan for up to 10,000 new homes across the borough by 2036.

Numerous pockets of land around the town and outlying villages were identified as possible sites for development in the council’s now defunct Making and Growing Places (MGP) plan.

The MGP - withdrawn last year after inspectors deemed it too limited – is being replaced with the Local Plan, which earmarks those sites and more for housing.

Significant opposition has grown up around the council’s proposals, with high numbers of residents opposing development of their neighbourhoods and green spaces.

However, officers say the town has absolutely no option other than to prepare for widespread development.

They are now challenging residents to come up with their own plans if they are unsatisfied with those put forward by the council.

The authority’s assistant director of regeneration, John Anderson, and officer Steve Petch have urged Darlington people to get involved in the on-going consultation process.

Mr Anderson said: “In the next 20 years, Darlington needs to meet its own population needs and to develop 10,000 houses, with jobs and growth alongside that.

“We have to do this and we need to look at the best way of going about it while keeping Darlington a great place to live and do business.

“We need to make these changes and build these properties and we need to have strategic conversations with residents about the best places to put them.

“So far, we’ve found it difficult to engage with the public on that level but want to be as open and transparent as possible.

“There are many things to take into account and we want to know how you’d do it, what your priorities would be and what you cherish the most.”

Mr Petch added: “This is happening, we’re planning for it and you need to get involved with shaping how this works best, rather than just objecting.

“We need positive thoughts brought to this – if you don’t agree with parts of the plan, tell us, but also tell us what you would do instead.”

Residents can find out more about the plan and how to have their say by visiting darlington.gov.uk/localplan.